One love, one heart: Mahfuzah (right) with friends (from left) Genovevesim, Yeoh Chin Tatt, 40, N. Senthilathipan, 38, Muhammad Muzzammil, Thaarani and Edreena on the eve of Hari Raya at her house in Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For Mahfuzah Jalaludin, Hari Raya is a time to strengthen friendship.
The 37-year-old civil servant invited her multiracial friends to her house to prepare for the celebration. Besides helping her with new curtains, her friends also decorated the house with stars and diamond-shaped ketupat.
Mahfuzah shared Hari Raya cookies with her friends Edreena Kaur, 37, S. Thaarani, 34, and Genovevesim, 46, who were having a blast during the festive visit.
“I want to share how we prepare for Hari Raya with non-Muslim friends.
“I take pride in this,” said Mahfuzah in Batu Uban here.
The mother of two said her businessman husband, Muhammad Muzzamil Abdullah, 34, would be hosting an open house on the first day of Hari Raya.
“I like to get together with old friends. This is vital to creating a harmonious relationship and should be passed down from generation to generation.
“We must always cherish the people in our lives,” he said.
Edreena, a civil servant, said this was the first time she was invited to help in preparations.
“This is in line with the Madani concept, as all of us should live in harmony,” she said.
For Chinese Sarawakian Genovevesim, multicultural events are the norm in Sarawak.
“Every year, we will host Hari Raya and Chinese New Year at our restaurant in George Town.
“It is something we love to do, seeing everyone in a festive mood and mingling with friends,” said the restaurant operator who has known Mahfuzah for more than five years.
